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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 25, 2002
The Time Machine (PG-13)
Shy inventor Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pearce) develops a time-traveling chariot that propels him 800,000 years into the future when cannibals and pacifists roam the post-apocalyptic Earth. High-tech adaptation of the classic science fiction novel, with a late, malevolent turn by Jeremy Irons as leader of the Morlocks.
First impressions: "Not even H.G. Wells could have imagined what his great-grandson Simon Wells has done to his science fiction story The Time Machine. The author's descendant improved the narrative, goosed up the action and surpassed the cheesy 1960 version by George Pal that remains a childhood favorite.
"Best of all -- and somewhat ironic -- is the fact that Simon Wells did it with a shorter running time, barely 90 minutes before the end credits. This movie really moves, seeming much leaner than the plot detours lead a viewer to believe. When the inventor starts time-tripping, the pacing is so relentless that even an easy-out ending isn't bothersome. Before you can think of complaining, the movie's over."
Second thoughts: Not the springtime blockbuster everyone expected, but a good movie nonetheless.
Rental audience: Science fiction fans, clockwatchers.
Rent it if you enjoy: Time After Time or Pal's original version.
Pop singer Britney Spears makes her dramatic acting debut, playing an honor student and karaoke ace on a road trip to locate her estranged mother (Kim Cattrall). Along for the ride are two other young misses (Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning) with, like, issues to deal with, and a hunky driver (Anson Mount) who looks too creepy-old to be hanging around with jail bait.
First impressions: "The nicest thing to be said about Crossroads is that it isn't Glitter. Mariah Carey's thunderous flop is still the best punch line for jokes about singers with no business in the movies. (Why didn't the chicken cross the road? Because Glitter was on the other side.) Crossroads is easier to swallow because Spears isn't ego-tripping. She looks and behaves like just another mall rat imitating her favorite singer, who happens to be her."
Second thoughts: Oops, bet she won't do it again.
Rental audience: Do you have to ask?
Rent it if you enjoy: MTV's Total Request Live. But only with Britney, of course.